Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Happy New Year 2014!



Hi Everyone,
It’s hard to believe another year just closed and today we begin the first day in the New Year of 2014. 2013 was a hard year for me; however, along with the difficulties there were many great things. One of the best things was to finally have a doctor diagnose me with a complex labral tear in my hip. I couldn’t walk without a cane, and was bent like a little old lady of 100 years. 

I had this condition for almost 2 years before it was diagnosed. My hip surgery was in June 2013, so I’ve just passed the 6 month recovery mark. I have to say I’m feeling great, don’t need a cane anymore and am happy to be out and about again. There’s still quite a bit of pain, but this pain is nothing compared to the excruciating pain of the previous 2 years. My Dad told me next time I break something, make sure to make it obvious and easy to find. I’ll keep that in mind, but the goal is to stay healthy!

This past year also saw the launch of my very first ebook—Asthma Tips & Advice. Putting an ebook out there was uncomfortable for me. In my long ago past, someone had once told me that I wasn’t smart enough, didn’t know enough, etc. to be a writer/editor/proofreader. Unfortunately, this has stayed with me most of my adult life—until the past few years. I’ve been writing this blog since 2007 and writing for BellaOnline’s asthma site for three years. These have been great experiences. But putting out an ebook was challenging due to the voice of that one person who said I couldn’t. 

My ebook’s now “out there” on the major ebook platforms, in spite of that long ago voice of negativity. As a result, I no longer listen to that voice. I don‘t claim to be a great writer. I’m OK with that. My writing about asthma is primarily done to help others. Writing Czech Off the Beaten Path has been (and continues to be) a cathartic method to learn about myself, meet others and share about expat life. Ebooks are a new venture, but if I can earn a little more income from a few book sales, then that will also be a benefit for me. The main benefit of writing online and off has been to get rid of that negative voice from the past once and for all. It’s finally gone--hallelujah.

2014 will bring its own challenges, happiness and learning experiences. I’m ready to embrace this next period of my life, my writing and other work. I also have reset the goal of learning Czech—I just have to do this. It’s a must. Another goal is to increase my income through various channels I’ve been developing. I’d also like to update this blog and move it to its own home on the web. 2014 will be a busy year—just with these goals. We’ll see how it goes!

I’d like to wish you all a very Happy New Year 2014! May your new year be filled with love, peace, health and happiness.

Have a great day!
God bless,
Sher



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